Medications can help us live longer and healthier lives, but mixing certain drugs and supplements or taking medications incorrectly can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to talk to a health care provider before starting any new prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, or supplement to ensure that your provider knows everything else you are taking.
Before starting a new medicine, be sure to:
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about taking a new medication.
- Discuss any allergies or problems you have experienced with other medicines with your health care provider.
- Find out if you’ll need to change or stop taking any of your other prescriptions, OTC medicines, or supplements.
- Write down the name of the drug, the dose, and why it’s being prescribed for you.
- Note any special instructions for how to take the medicine.
Find more tips when starting a new medication.
